Alison's twin brother, Edmond, has run off and forfeited his obligation to fight a duel with the intimidating and handsome Earl of Havard. The man is an infernally good shot, as well as ruthless in meting out judgement. But Alison is sure that the duel is a farce, and that the Earl is only trying to teach her brother a lesson for inappropriately flirting with his sister. She is so sure that the Earl will misfire in order to avoid killing her young brother, that she borrows Edmond's clothes and shows up at the duel, pretending to be Edmond in order to save the family honor. But the Earl of Havard easily sees through her disguise. His anger is fierce and justified by the strict code of honor that binds both houses. Now, to pay for the insult, Alison must become an indentured servant in his household, serving as his page until the debt of honor is paid in full...